The Best Things to Do on the Big Island of Hawaii
The Big Island of Hawaii is unlike any other place on Earth because it has a unique mix of volcanic landscapes, beautiful beaches, and a rich cultural history. It is the biggest island in the Hawaiian chain, and it has a lot to offer visitors, from swimming with manta rays and exploring ancient Hawaiian sites to watching lava flow and stargazing.
The Big Island is truly special because it has so many different things to do in one beautiful place. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park lets you see the raw power of creation, and then you can relax on famous beaches just a few hours later. The island’s unusual shape makes it possible for different climate zones to form. This means that you could see tropical rainforests, desert-like conditions, and snow-capped peaks all in one day.
The Big Island has activities that will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime, whether you want to relax, have fun, or learn about different cultures. This complete guide covers the best attractions and hidden gems on the Big Island that make it worth visiting. It includes free things to do like hiking to stunning waterfalls and once-in-a-lifetime encounters with marine life.
Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is one of the most amazing geological places on Earth. It gives visitors the rare chance to see active volcanic processes. There are more than 333,000 acres in the park, and Kilauea and Mauna Loa are two of the most active volcanoes in the world.
Experience Kilauea Volcano
Kilauea is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, and visitors will never forget their time there. The Kilauea Visitor Center is a great place to get important information about the volcano’s current activity and safety rules. The Crater Rim Drive is an 11-mile loop road that takes you past beautiful views, like the Kilauea Overlook, where you can look down into the huge Halemaumau crater.
There are many hiking trails in the park that are good for people of all fitness levels. The Devastation Trail is a short, 1-mile roundtrip walk that shows the dramatic effects of volcanic eruptions on a landscape of pumice and plants that are slowly coming back to life. The Kilauea Iki Trail goes down into a solidified lava lake, which is great for more adventurous hikers who want to see volcanic formations up close.
Places to See Lava
Current lava viewing depends on volcanic activity levels, which change frequently. When it’s active, the sight of glowing lava making new land is truly amazing. For the best places to see and safety information, visitors can check the park’s website or visitor center.
Find Amazing Beaches
The Big Island’s beaches offer something for every beach lover, from powdery white sand to unique black sand formations created by volcanic activity.
Hapuna Beach State Park
Hapuna Beach is one of the best beaches in the world. It has bright white sand and clear turquoise water that stretches for half a mile. The beach provides excellent swimming conditions during calm weather and offers amenities including restrooms, showers, and picnic areas. The gentle slope down to the ocean is great for families with kids.
Black Sand Beach at Punalu’u
The black sand beach, which was made by pieces of basalt from volcanic activity, looks amazing against the blue Pacific Ocean. Punalu’u is well-known for its Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) that often sunbathe on the warm black sand. People can see these amazing animals from a safe distance while enjoying the beach’s unique beauty.
There are also coconut palms and freshwater ponds on the beach, which make it look like a tropical paradise from another world. Swimming is possible but can be challenging due to strong currents, making it more suitable for photography and turtle watching.
Have Amazing Fun in the Water
The Big Island’s clear waters make it a great place to snorkel, dive, and see marine life in new ways.
Snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay
Kealakekua Bay is a protected marine sanctuary that has some of the best snorkeling in Hawaii. The bay’s clear, calm waters let you see things that are more than 100 feet away, which makes it a great place to see tropical fish, coral reefs, and spinner dolphins.
The bay is historically important because it is where Captain James Cook first set foot in Hawaii and where he died. A white monument on the other side of the river marks this historic site. To get to the best snorkeling spots, you have to either go on a boat tour or hike down steep cliffs.
Snorkeling with Manta Rays at Night
Swimming with manta rays at night is one of the most amazing things you can do with wildlife anywhere. These gentle giants, whose wingspans can reach 20 feet, come together at certain spots along the Kona coast to eat plankton that are drawn to lights underwater.
Many tour companies offer night manta ray experiences, and they provide all the gear and expert help you need. You will float on the surface while manta rays glide gracefully beneath you. This will give you a spiritual connection with these amazing animals.
Get to know Hawaiian culture.
The Big Island protects Hawaiian culture and history by keeping sites in good shape that give visitors a look into how Hawaiians lived and what they did in the past.
Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park
This holy place, also called the Place of Refuge, was a safe haven for ancient Hawaiians who broke kapu (sacred laws) to find safety and redemption. The park features reconstructed temples, fishponds, and traditional structures that provide glimpses into pre-contact Hawaiian society.
There are cultural demonstrations, historical exhibits, and information about traditional Hawaiian practices at the visitor center. The park’s location on the coast also makes it a great place to go tide pooling and see beautiful views of the South Kona coast.
The ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center
This modern planetarium and museum connects Hawaiian culture with modern astronomy. It looks at how ancient Hawaiians used the stars to find their way across the ocean. Polynesian navigators had a lot of knowledge about astronomy, which is shown through interactive exhibits, immersive shows, and cultural presentations.
Because the center is close to Mauna Kea, it’s a great way to learn about the Big Island’s role in modern astronomy research.
Look at the stars at world-class observatories
The Mauna Kea Observatory Complex is the largest astronomical observatory complex in the world. It is located at 13,803 feet and has great viewing conditions because of its high altitude, stable air, and low light pollution.
Mauna Kea Observatory Complex
There are many international telescopes at the summit that have helped make important discoveries in astronomy. While access to the telescopes requires advance planning, the summit offers unparalleled stargazing opportunities even with the naked eye.
Station for Visitor Information
The Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station is 9,200 feet high and offers free stargazing programs on weekends. These programs include looking through telescopes and learning about astronomy and Hawaiian star lore through talks and presentations. The station is a safer and easier way for visitors to see world-class stargazing than going to the summit.
The drive to the visitor station requires a four-wheel-drive vehicle beyond this point to reach the summit, but the views and star visibility at the visitor station remain exceptional.
Visit Real Coffee Farms
The Kona district on the Big Island grows some of the most sought-after coffee in the world on volcanic slopes with perfect weather.
The Kona Coffee Experience
Many family-owned coffee farms offer tours that show how coffee is made, from picking the cherries to roasting them. These tours show how to farm in a way that is good for the environment and how much care goes into making high-quality Kona coffee.
People who come to the farm can taste different coffees, learn about different roasting profiles, and buy beans straight from the farmers. A lot of farms also have classes that teach people about how to grow coffee and the history of coffee farming in Hawaii.
Explore Amazing Hiking Trails
The Big Island has a lot of different types of land, so you can hike on easy paths or go on tough adventures that last for days.
Lookout and hike in Pololu Valley
The Pololu Valley Lookout has amazing views of the North Kohala coastline, black sand beaches, and dramatic sea cliffs. Visitors can explore tide pools and relax on the secluded black sand beach at Pololu Beach after a steep 20-minute hike down.
The valley shows off the Big Island’s dramatic geological features and is a great place to take pictures and think in peace away from busy tourist spots.
State Park at Akaka Falls
This park is easy to get to and has a paved 0.4-mile loop trail that goes to two beautiful waterfalls. Akaka Falls drops 442 feet through tropical rainforest plants, making it one of Hawaii’s most photographed natural sites.
The path also goes by Kahuna Falls, which is a smaller but just as beautiful waterfall. The park’s lush tropical setting provides excellent opportunities for nature photography and bird watching.
Enjoy the flavors and foods of the area
The Big Island’s culinary scene reflects its multicultural heritage and abundant local ingredients.
Hawaiian Food That Is Traditional
You can get real Hawaiian food at local restaurants and food trucks. Some examples are fresh poke made from fish caught locally, kalua pig cooked in traditional imu (underground ovens), and haupia (coconut pudding). Many establishments also offer plate lunches that reflect the island’s plantation-era multicultural influences.
Experiences from the farm to the table
The Big Island has rich volcanic soil that supports a wide range of farming, including tropical fruits, vegetables, and animals. Many restaurants focus on using ingredients that come from the area, giving visitors a chance to taste the island’s agricultural bounty while also supporting eco-friendly farming.
Make plans for your Big Island trip.
There are so many different things to do on the Big Island that any traveler will find something they like. The island offers one-of-a-kind chances for adventure, learning, and relaxation, such as watching active volcanoes, swimming with manta rays, exploring ancient Hawaiian sites, and stargazing at world-famous observatories.
The Big Island is different because it is real and beautiful in a natural way. The Big Island is different from other Hawaiian destinations that are more developed because it still has a lot of wild, untouched areas and great services and amenities for visitors.
Plan your trip to the Big Island with the island’s size and varied geography in mind to get the most out of your time there. Different parts of the country have different attractions and weather, so it’s worth visiting more than one area while you’re there.
Are you ready to see all that the Big Island has to offer? Hawaii Guide Hub can help you plan the best Big Island trip based on your interests and schedule. We know the area well, so we’ll show you both well-known sights and lesser-known gems that will make the Big Island truly unforgettable. Call us today to start planning your trip to the Big Island and make memories that will last a lifetime.
